A Theory for Quasi-Steady Single-Step Thermal Degradation of Polymers

摘要

A theory for approximately steady thermal degradation of solids is developed from a superset of nonlinear integral-differential equations. The theory extends previous work, using a degradation model that is more consistent than previously published model sand fully accounts for surface radiation losses. The thermal decomposition of the solid is assumed to follow a single-step first-order Arrhenius reaction. A quasi-steady regime is identified and approximate solutions are compared with experimental results for PMMA and numerical results obtained by integrating the full model.